I turn. My father’s standing in the hallway, still in a suit and tie. He must have come home for lunch.
“Chinda tells me the series airs tonight,” he says.
I nod.
“So, after this, you’re free.”
I swallow. “Well, we still have some publicity coming up.”
“Even so, you should be able to take the company internship at the turn of the new year.”
I remain quiet. I still don’t want to take the internship, but with filming over sooner than I anticipated, I don’t have an excuse not to.
“Perhaps this will help you make up your mind: I’ve recently learned next year’s interns will be traveling to New York City to work at our offices there. I need to know your decision, Rama. If you give up your place on the list, someone else will quickly snap it up. You’ve had your fun. It’s time to buckle down for the future.”
I bite my lip. He isn’t exaggerating. Positions in his company are highly sought after and the competition between interns is fierce. And I love New York. Would it hurt for me to take the opportunity? I could at least tell my father I gave it a try and then pursue acting when I return.
“Leave my name on the list,” I say.
A rare smile blooms over my father’s face, and he claps his hand on my shoulder. “Wise decision, Kwang.”
Suppressing a wince at the hated nickname, I escape to my room to choose my outfit for the club.
CHAPTER TWELVE: Pravat
As I sit in my car waiting for Rama in the driveway, I thumb through the Hearts Productions website. Pausing at a recent behind-the-scenes clip fromMy Doctor, My Love, I click on it. Our final day of filming took place on location outside the medical faculty building of a local university, and in the clip, we’re between shots. Rama sits on the edge of the low wall in the garden, his hands resting lightly on my hips, while I stand between his legs talking to Maha. Having Rama return the simple touches I’ve been giving him since the beginning has been an odd experience for me. Rather than take them for granted as I would with someone else, I recognize each as the gift it is. Rama is not the type of person to open himself up to someone easily.
Suddenly, out of nowhere, a very large dog escapes the leash of a bystander and zips past us, barking loudly and startling Rama so badly that he loses his balance on the wall, toppling backward. As a nearby technician makes a grab for Rama’s leg, I latch onto hisarms, wrapping them around my waist, saving him from the fall. It all happens within seconds.
Scrolling down the page, I read the comments.
ChibibabyElf:Awww. Pravat saved his sweetie Rama from falling!
Pravma4evr:Pravma are so cute together.
PravluvsRam05:Rama’s face when Pravat keeps him from falling, tho! Adoring eyes!
Hikitty618:I’ve watched this over and over again.
Gay4Pravma:They are so perfect together! If they’re not in love irl, I don’t know what to think. I can’t wait to watch episode one tonight!
Reviewing the video, I look at Rama’s eyes—are they really adoring? Shaking my head at myself, I click on another clip, this one from months ago of Rama and me standing around one of the studio rooms waiting for filming to restart. I’m behind him, arms around his waist, lightly tapping his chest with my fingers, something I seem to unconsciously do a lot. Warmth fills me at the relaxed and content look on Rama’s face. The over 25k comments beneath are similar to those of the other video.
A year ago, I was afraid my career as an actor was over, and now suddenly I’m one half of the most popular Y-couple out there. I still can’t believe it.
At the sound of the passenger door opening, I look up. Rama climbs into my car, the scent of his clean-smelling aftershave drifting to my nose.
He’s wearing a pair of olive-colored slacks and a navy shirt unbuttoned several buttons, showing off a good portion of his smooth,toned chest. On his feet he wears a pair of expensive sneakers, and I briefly wonder when ankles started looking sexy to me. His hair is styled differently. It’s pushed back from his face, showing off his smooth brow and highlighting his sharp cheekbones. I don’t even try to correct my fluttering heart. I know it’s useless. The moment Rama trusted me enough to reach past his barriers and return my affection, I gave up trying to keep myself from falling for him.
“You look great. Are you nervous?” I ask as I pull out of his driveway.
“A little.”
“There’ll be dancing,” I remind him, smiling. “It’s a good way to avoid conversation.”
Rama clucks his tongue. “You know I’ll have to mingle with all the execs.”
“True, but I’ll be with you.”